Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany admitted to a "conservative" approach regarding the new conference championship game, which will call Indianapolis home through 2015. The conference had contemplated rotating sites following this season's inaugural game but chose to stick with Lucas Oil Stadium for the first five years.

"To establish ourselves and build a foundation, it's good to be indoors and see what we have," Delany told reporters on a conference call Sunday. "We wanted to be cautious, conservative and get a great foundation for TV and fans."

Playing in a dome removes the weather concerns of an outdoor venue (Chicago's Soldier Field was a contender) and allows for the attendant periphery (TV pre-game, halftime field-goal contests, post-game awards ceremonies). The Big Ten clearly doesn't mind looking like the SEC for a while.

Current Comments

OK, maybe 1 year in a comfy oversized gym, but this is FOOTBALL,meant to be played in all weather conditions. Move the game around to other sites for the college fans.
By the way, when will the Big Ten officially announce the conference as the Big 12 (and the Big 12 downsize to the Big 10) or whatever number they wish?